Royal Navy Rating
Introduction
Royal Navy ratings are the servicemen and women of the Navy. They work in
a variety of trades on ships and submarines, and onshore.
Also known as
Navy Rating
Seaman/Woman (Royal Navy)
RN Rating
Sailor
Work Activities
The Royal Navy provides sea-based security and defence services for the UK and its allies.
Ratings (or sailors) are the servicemen and women of the Navy. They work in a variety of trades on ships and
submarines, and onshore. Most of the different trades are detailed below.
Marine engineering technicians keep the ships and submarines of the Royal Navy running at the peak of
operational effectiveness. They look after everything from the fuel and power systems of ships and submarines, to
the water and air purification equipment needed for the safety of the crew.
Weapons engineering technicians maintain the electronic weapons and defensive systems on board the Royal
Navy's ships and submarines.
Air engineering technicians specialise in the service and repair of the mechanical and flight systems of aircraft.
Warfare branch ratings work in a number of areas, including warfare, mine clearance and communications. They do
things like:
operate sonar and radar equipment
detect enemy electronic transmissions and signals
use diving equipment to disable or destroy mines
operate communications equipment.
Communication and information systems specialists oversee the ship's communications networks and make sure
that the different communications systems are working when the Royal Navy takes part in joint operations with other
services.
Seaman specialists help to look after the day-to-day running, upkeep and safety of a ship, both above and below
decks. They are responsible for such tasks as steering the ship, acting as lookout, monitoring ship routines and
communicating with other ships.
Aircraft handlers ensure that the Royal Navy's aircraft are able to take off and land safely. They make the
preparations that secure the safety of the aircraft, the flight crew and everyone in the support team.
Air survival technicians are responsible for the life-saving equipment and clothes that protect anyone who flies in a
Royal Navy aircraft.
Aircraft controllers link to aircraft from base, using radar and communications systems.
The logistics branch provides the Navy with administrative support and back-up services, including catering and
supplies:
chefs work on ships, submarines and onshore
stewards deal with food service, bar work and accommodation services
writer logisticians have administrative duties, including personnel, wages, clerical and accounting
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supply chain logisticians order supplies, arrange for their safe delivery and keep records.
Medical branch ratings provide a full range of health care services for Navy personnel and their families. They are
based at sea and onshore.
Medical assistants can specialise: in general service, with commandos, in submarines or in an operating
department. Other medical trades include naval nurse and dental hygienist.
Royal Navy ratings must be prepared to live and serve anywhere in the UK and overseas. They will sometimes have to
work in difficult, dangerous (and sometimes life-threatening) conditions.
Personal Qualities and Skills
As a Royal Navy rating, you need to be:
Physically fit.
Determined.
Cool-headed.
Intelligent.
Energetic.
Flexible and adaptable.
Prepared to travel and work unsocial hours.
Prepared to take part in armed conflicts.
You need to have:
Stamina.
Quick reactions.
The ability to push yourself.
A sense of responsibility.
A readiness to obey orders.
The ability to work as a member of a team.
Onboard ship, and especially on submarines, you need to be tolerant, adaptable and able to live in close
communities with colleagues.
For some trades, your colour vision and/or hearing may be tested.
Pay and Opportunities
Pay
The pay rates given below are approximate.
The rate of pay for a rating on completion of training is around £17,515 a year. After this, pay rates vary, depending
on specialism and length of service. Pay increases further with promotion.
Hours of work
Hours of work for Royal Navy ratings vary depending on operational requirements, but may include shifts, early
starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays.
As a Royal Navy rating, you may need to work at short notice, and you should expect to work longer hours during
military exercises or on operational missions.
Demand
There are shortages in some roles. See the Royal Navy website for details.
Where could I work?
Royal Navy ratings serve in UK shore bases, or on board a ship or submarine at sea.
Ratings can expect to be deployed anywhere in the world. This can mean extended periods spent away from home.
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Where are vacancies advertised?
See the Royal Navy website for the latest recruitment information.
Entry Routes and Training
Entry routes
To join the Royal Navy as a rating, you generally need to be aged between 16 and 36. Some trades have slightly
different age limits so you should check the requirements for the role you are interested in.
Almost all roles are open to both men and women. You must be no shorter than 151.5cm.
You can speak to a careers adviser at your nearest armed forces careers office, or through live chat at:
http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/Careers/How-To-Join/Talk-to-Us
There are various steps to go through before you can become a Royal Navy Rating:
Application
Recruitment Test (includes English,maths, problem-solving, and mechanics)
Interview
Medical and eye test
Pre-joining fitness test
If you are successful in getting through, the next step is to attend an induction course which introduces you to life in
the Royal Navy.
An Intermediate Level Apprenticeship is also a great place to start.
Training
As a new entrant, you will take a ten-week basic training course at HMS Raleigh, near Plymouth. You will complete a
range of activities, including a first aid course, physical challenges and handling weapons.
After basic training, you'll go on to specialist training for your role. Depending on the trade you choose, training can
last from five weeks to four years.
Progression
You could move up the ranks to higher-level jobs; there are clear progression routes and opportunities for
promotion. If you have the aptitude and ability, you could become a commissioned officer.
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act
Some careers in the Royal Navy are exceptions to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This means that you must
supply information about any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings, if asked. This is
different from other careers, where you only have to reveal information on unspent convictions if you are asked to.
Qualifications
For many jobs in the Royal Navy, there are no formal entry requirements.
A number of specialist posts require you to have GCSEs at grades C and above. Some people choose to join the Royal
Navy having already qualified, for example, as a nurse or radiographer.
To get onto an Intermediate Level Apprenticeship, you’ll usually need at least 2 GCSEs at grade C or above, possibly
including English and Maths.
Check with the Royal Navy for full details.
Adult Opportunities
Age limits
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Age limits apply to this occupation.
For most roles, entry is up to your 37th birthday.
Further Information
Contact your local Royal Navy and Royal Marines Careers Information Office/Armed Forces Careers Office.
Contacts
Skills for Justice
Skills for justice, community safety, armed forces and legal services
Address: Distington House, 26 Atlas Way, Sheffield S4 7QQ
Tel: 0114 2611499
Email: info@sfjuk.com
Website: www.sfjuk.com
Ministry of Defence (MOD)
Website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-defence
Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC)
Address: 202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW
Tel: 020 7654 7000
Email: info@ms-sc.org
Website: www.ms-sc.org
Sea Vision UK
Email: enquiries@seavision.org.uk
Website: www.seavision.org.uk
Royal Navy
Tel: 0845 6075555
Website: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-navy
Careers Wales - Welsh Apprenticeships
Tel: 0800 028 4844
Website: ams.careerswales.com/
Sea Cadets
Whether at sea or on land, the Sea Cadets offers young people across the UK amazing opportunities for personal
development - by learning new skills and working in teams - the Sea Cadets offer an environment where young
people find new confidence and inspiration.
Website: www.sea-cadets.org/
Related Careers
RAF Airman/woman
Army Serviceman/woman
Royal Marines Commando
Armed Forces Pilot
Army Officer
RAF Officer
Royal Marines Officer
Royal Navy Officer
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